Pettitte had been among the pitchers expected to play for the team, which will be managed by former Yankees skipper Joe Torre. But his name wasn't among those announced when the Team USA roster was unveiled this morning.

Andy Pettitte passes on a chance to play in the World Baseball Classic. (AP Photo)

Concerns about Pettitte's health might have contributed to the decision to decline.

Pettitte, 40, returned from a one-season retirement in 2012 but missed much of the season because of a broken ankle. In 12 starts, he went 5-4 with a 2.87 ERA and 69 strikeouts in 75 1/3 innings.